Sinclair Seamen’s Church

The church evolved from the bethel meeting house in Pilot Street in the heart of Belfast “Sailortown” and home in the early 19th century of the Seamen’s Friends society. This benevolent organisation had within its ranks John and Thomas Sinclair 2 Belfast merchants with business interest in Liverpool and the United States. Their strong Christian faith and concern for the spiritual and physical well-being of merchant seafarers crystallised their philanthropic activities. This led to the formation of a church congregation in Sailortown 1854 with a clergyman to oversee it but without a church building.

The port of Belfast was rapidly expanding to meet the needs of the growing manufacturing economy new quay’s and wharfs were constructed under the auspices of the Belfast Harbour commissioners of which Thomas Sinclair was a commissioner however the sudden death of his brother John in 1856 led to the building of a memorial church not only to house the congregation already established but to continue the work of the Seamen’s society.  The church cost £4500 to build opened 1857 and was designed in the Italian Lombardi Venetian style by one of the leading architects of the time Charles Lanyon the building is L-shaped with the pulpit high up in the corner of the L. The interior is brightly painted and decorated to reflect its maritime connections stain glass windows many of the artefacts on display are themselves unique and gifted to the church over the years.

Open to the public most Wednesdays 2.00-4.30pm except January and February but will open on request during this period and other times during the year. Contact: sinclairschurch@gmail.com or call Mr Billy Greer 02890319931.